Mike Huckabee emailed a select group of advisers Friday evening to explain that he couldn't say what his 2012 plans are because of a "sworn obligation" to reveal it first on Fox, adding that "once I pull the trigger...things will get even crazier."

One source said the email appeared to have gone to roughly 10 people. Yet while it sparked widespread intrigue among political watchers, several sources close to Huckabee still remained unconvinced he will run again for the presidency, citing his approach to making a decision.

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POLITICO 44

Others privately expressed concern that, if Huckabee does run, his approach so far has had an overly theatrical quality that hasn't screamed "presidential" and has been comparable to the way developer Donald Trump has gone about his potential candidacy.

By mid-afternoon Saturday, few Huckabee supporters were expressing optimism he was set to announce a run, with most speculating the "trigger" he referred to pulling meant another venture, like a politically focused non-profit, or that he was taking on a new role with Fox.

Even if he does announce he's running, many supporters made clear he'll have repair work to do with his inner ranks. Several sources said his media-hyping approach would only make the donors and operatives he's acknowledged he would need support from view him with suspicion.
Huckabee wrote in the email that he wanted to reach out to everyone individually in advance, but couldn't because "I committed to Fox that I will absolutely not release it prior to doing so on the channel, that became impractical," according to a copy of the email obtained by Time magazine and confirmed to POLITICO as authentic by adviser Ed Rollins after a reporter read it to him.

"A lot of information and speculation was already rampant in the press today, and it frankly isn't fair to you to tell you the details and then put you in the awkward position of saying you didn't know (which at that point wouldn't be true) or saying you did know, but couldn't reveal or discuss it," Huckabee wrote.

"It was this afternoon before I could even get word to all of my own children and even now, the executive producer of my show and the staff and crew of the show don't know and won't until I actually do the final preparation literally minutes before I share the decision live Saturday night," he wrote. "I will look forward to speaking with you soon and once I fulfill my sworn obligation to Fox, I will be free to discuss things that I can't now due to promises to them and to some possible legal considerations of the announcement."

He added,"Many friends have said, "how can we help you in the decision?" My answer has consistently been, "Pray that I have clarity." I have it and will share it Saturday night during the show. Please be patient if I don't respond immediately to an email because I expect that once I pull the trigger Saturday night, things will get even crazier, as if that's possible."

Speculation among reporters and political watchers that Huckabee was not going to run almost immediately started to tilt the other way once the email's contents were reported.

But Rollins, who had said on Friday he believed Huckabee's lack of advance warning indicated a no-go by Huckabee, said simply, "I don't know what's going on here."

His comments mirrored other advisers who received the email, and who remained skeptical that it means he's in for 2012.

Doesn't matter. Herman Cain is on the ascendancy, and we'll soon have a true post racial president who believes in God and isn't afraid to make the hard decisions this country needs to get back on track.

What if Huckabee is not thinking of a Presidential run anymore, but a Vice Presidential run? Would that possibility be more financially feasible for Mike at this point and time? I can't imagine Huckabee not working his way into the mix somehow, someway. He is a master at "wiggling his way" and compacts. He sets his mind on something and he doesn't like to take "no" for an answer. I guess none of really do. I will watch with interest

The nomination is his if he runs, based on his standing in the polls and his (lack of) competition. He'd win Iowa, Romney would probably win New Hampshire & Nevada (assuming his candidacy's inevitable implosion doesn't happen before then), Huck would take South Carolina & sweep the South (especially since Haley Barbour is out).

Huck is a very politically-savy guy, regardless of what you think about his politics. Obama's 2012 standing can largely be measured on whether or not Huck runs. If he decides not to, a big reason would be he thinks Obama will very likely be reelected. Why else would he pass on an almost-sure thing?

I don't think Huckabee will run for any office. He obviously loves the spotlight, but is making too much $$$ to jeopardize it by taking on Obama (who, I believe, would crush Mr. Huckabee if he was nutso enough to throw his hat in the ring).

I personally am relieved that Mike Huckabee will make his decision known tonight and I truly believe he will join the race again. This noble leader will defeat Obama and become a very effective president that will unite the people, restore the economy, protect our freedoms and get Congress working again to solve problems. He will help make America great again !!

Huck is weak, a Christian right wing who is as wishy washy as John kerry please stay out of it..... If any good comes out of this is him and Mitt dragging each other throught the dirt and showing Americans they are really no different and just slimmy politicians......

Hope America opens their eyes and ears and starts listening to the less popular guys like Herman cain and Ron Paul who have REAL no non sense solutions.....

What's good for America may not always taste good but if it works will be worth the sacrifices....

The Republican and Democratic Party are 2 of the same..STOP voting for "THE LESSER OF 2 EVILS"

Huckabee thinks much too much of himself and is therefore making an embarrassing spectacle of himself. It is far too much ado about not very much. In the end I suspect it will be just another Republican presidential wannabe who bites the dust from abject fear of facing the brilliant, unbeatable Obama.

Herman Cain is on the ascendancy, and we'll soon have a true post racial president who believes in God and isn't afraid to make the hard decisions this country needs to get back on track.

........no he's not, he is black and the other GOPer's will point that out if it really does look as if he may lead the pack............first it was palin, then newt then trump, then cain, then romney, back to newt...........who's next?...........fox is even calling the field weak.........